We brought you news last week that several major retailers were giving StarCraft II a December 3 release date. Although it was in no way official, something seemed rather fishy that they would all announce the same date a week before Blizzard?s 2008 Worldwide Invitational. That being the case, it seemed likely that Blizzard would offer some sort of statement on the matter during the event this weekend.
That?s exactly what Vice President Rob Pardo did when he trampled this rumor (along with my hopes) with all the fury of a rampaging Zerg Ultralisk. According to Pardo, Blizzard is only ?about a third of the way through? the single player campaign and is currently focusing on the story and all those pretty cinematics that keep us entertained between battles. Oh well.
Pardo does mention that Blizzard will have something nice to satiate StarCraft deprived gamers at the end of this year. A demo, perhaps? He also mentions that StarCraft II will be releasing simultaneously on Macs. So, yeah, there?s that.
Does this news disappoint or are you too psyched about Diablo 3 to really care right now?
Originally posted by: irishScott
As long as it's good. Quality over Quantity FTW!
Originally posted by: tenshodo13
I've known for a while that it won't come out before 2010. I'm thinking 2012
Originally posted by: Chronoshock
Remember that Blizzard likes long beta cycles. The closed beta tests typically last 6 to 9 months and they usually have an open beta/stress test for another few months. After the betas they have about a month period to do final fixes based on the betas and balance tweaks before they go gold. Seeing as they're only 1/3 done with content, it's going to be a while before they beta. They're probably already doing closed alpha tests (of multiplayer) among pro gamers and friends/family of blizz, but I still think we're a few months away until a closed beta.
Originally posted by: Sylvanas
Starcraft is still IMO, the best game ever made and is still being sold and played. It takes time to make a legendary game .
Originally posted by: Piuc2020
late 2009 for Starcraft 2 means Diablo 3 is likely set for 2010 and possibly 2011
They should just announce their games like 6 months before they get released with a solid date. I much rather know about Diablo 3 in 2011 and have it release 6 months later than know about it now and have to wait a long time still.
Originally posted by: Bateluer
I wish they would too. Its a fine line between building hype for the release and letting your fan base lose interest in the product.
Originally posted by: SexyK
If SC2 doesn't make it until late '09 and D3 doesn't arrive until '10 or '11, they are going to look extremely dated at launch without some serious improvements between now and then. Of course, if game play is all it's supposed to be then appearances won't matter, but it still seems odd to relauch two of your three biggest IPs with outdated engines. Honestly, both game look fun as hell, but not necessarily next generation..
Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
Originally posted by: tenshodo13
I've known for a while that it won't come out before 2010. I'm thinking 2012
nah that's waaaay too long. people will forget about SC2 in 4 years. i'd guess winter2009-summer2010
Originally posted by: LtPage1
Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
Originally posted by: tenshodo13
I've known for a while that it won't come out before 2010. I'm thinking 2012
nah that's waaaay too long. people will forget about SC2 in 4 years. i'd guess winter2009-summer2010
Yeah, like people have forgotten about Starcraft over the last 5. I think it'll be out maybe next summer, more likely end of 2009- and it'll be the best selling game since WoW, maybe ever.